Are you looking for a creative outlet? Do you see beauty in words? Then harness your creativity through poetry! Each year, Berks Encore hosts its Senior Poetry Contest and invites local seniors (anyone over the age of 50) to submit their poems for a chance to win a prize. Once again Berks Encore is partnering with the Reading Public Library. Whether you’re a well-rounded poet or just a beginner, we encourage you to participate.
Poems, not to exceed 17 lines, may be on any subject and in any style. All entries must be postmarked by Nov. 18.
Be sure to include your name, address and telephone number. The poems will be judged by an independent panel, including representatives from the Reading Public Libraries as well as Berks Encore.
Please mail or bring your poem to:
Berks EncoreAttn: Senior Poetry Contest
40 N. 9th StreetReading, PA 19601
Additionally, poems can be dropped off at any Reading Public Library location, or entries can be emailed to shunter-lascoskie@berksencore.org
Winners will be announced and awards presented at the Berks Encore Reading Center on Friday, December 9 at 1 p.m. All poets and their guests are invited to attend. Winners and other participants will be invited to read their entries at this reception.
First place prize is $100, second place prize is $50 and third place prize is $25.
The Berks Encore Senior Poetry Contest was initiated in 2000 by world traveler and poet Harold “Bill” DeLong, who had continued to sponsor the prizes for the contest winners each year. Since Harold’s death in 2011, his friend Andrey Aleksandrov has continued to provide funding for the contest prizes in Harold’s memory. For more information, call Sarah Hunter-Lascoskie at 610-374-3195, x228.
